Removable axle assembly

ABSTRACT

A removable axle assembly for transporting a load bearing frame includes an axle mounting structure configured to be removably attached to an axle mount. The axle mounting structure includes an inner surface that is aligned with a tapered surface of the axle mount. One or more fastening devices are attached to a clamping structure. In response to securing the one or more fastening devices, the clamping structure is configured to exert a compression force that maintains contact between the tapered surface of the frame support structure and the inner surface of the axle mounting structure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to systems, devices, apparatus, andmethods associated with a removable axle assembly for a loadtransporting system.

BACKGROUND

Moving extremely heavy loads has generally been a complicated taskbecause of the large forces involved in lifting and transporting theheavy loads. In known mounting structures, large loads may betransported by disassembling or breaking up the load or the mountingstructure into multiple smaller sections and/or loads. However, thisbreak-down and subsequent reassembly process can be very time consuming,especially when a heavy load is only to be moved a small distance, orneeds to be repositioned.

For heavy loads that need periodic movement or adjustment, devicescommonly referred to as “walking machines” or “walkers” were developed.These machines may be configured to move the heavy loads over smalldistances in incremental stages. For example, walking machines may beused to move large structures, such as oil rigs, in order to positionthem over pre-drilled pipes in oil fields.

In other types of systems, heavy duty axle assemblies have beendeveloped to transport and/or support heavy loads. The axle assembliesmay include hydraulic lift functionality, such as a hydraulic cylinderthat is typically welded directly to the axle assembly to provide arigid connection that can withstand the resulting stress from carryingthe heavy load.

Locations where oil rigs operate may provide for extreme temperaturevariations, humidity, dust and/or other particulates, and otherenvironmental conditions that, in addition to the wear and tear thatresults from moving the heavy loads, may result in frequent maintenanceor repair of the load transport systems. For example, it is not uncommonfor a lift cylinder or cylinder rod to fail and need to be replacedand/or serviced while a transportable oil rig is at the work site.

In situations where the lift cylinder rod fails, the lift cylinder rodtogether with the axle assembly is typically removed from operation andreplaced with an entirely different assembly. This, of course, requiresthe operator of the oil rig to have a spare axle assembly on hand, andtypically the old axle assembly would be transported to a repairfacility so that the hydraulic cylinder can be removed from the axleassembly and be repaired. Even in situations where on-site maintenanceof the lift cylinder rod may be performed, e.g., by torch cutting theweldment, the physical removal of the lift cylinder rod from the axleassembly may result in a material weakening of the metal plates or othercomponents of the weldment, which may lead to further failures of theaxle assembly or components thereof.

The present invention addresses these and other problems.

SUMMARY

A removable axle assembly is disclosed herein, as comprising a removableaxle assembly for transporting a load bearing frame. An axle mountingstructure may be configured to be removably attached to an axle mount.The axle mounting structure may include an inner surface that alignswith a tapered surface of the axle mount. One or more fastening devicesmay be attached to a clamping structure. In response to securing the oneor more fastening devices, the clamping structure may be configured toexert a compression force that maintains contact between the taperedsurface of the frame support structure and the inner surface of the axlemounting structure.

A removable axle assembly is disclosed herein, as comprising an axle andan axle mounting structure operably coupled to the axle. The axlemounting structure may be configured to be removably attached to an axlemount, and the axle mounting structure may comprise an inner surfacethat aligns with a non-vertical tapered surface of the axle mount. Theaxle assembly may additionally comprise means for securing the taperedsurface of the axle mount to the inner surface of the axle mountingstructure, and means for exerting a compression force to maintaincontact between the tapered surface of the axle mount and the innersurface of the axle mounting structure.

A method for removably attaching an axle assembly is disclosed herein.The method may comprise positioning a lower end of the axle mount withinan axle mounting structure. The axle mounting structure may comprise aninner surface that aligns with a tapered surface of the axle mount.Additionally, one or more fastening devices may be attached to aclamping structure. The clamping structure may exert a compression forcethat maintains contact between the tapered surface of the axle mount andthe inner surface of the axle mounting structure. The compression forcemay result from securing the one or more fastening devices.

An axle assembly is disclosed herein. The axle assembly may comprise anaxle and an axle mount frame configured to be attached to the axle. Apositional locater may project from an outer surface of the axle tolocate an initial position of the axle relative to the axle mount.Additionally, an axle adjustment device may comprise an inclined surfacethat contacts the positional locater, and a compressive force may beexerted between the axle mount and the axle adjustment device when theaxle adjustment device is placed in contact with the positional locaterto maintain the initial position of the axle.

An axle assembly is disclosed herein, as comprising an axle comprising atapered surface and a non-horizontal bearing surface. An axle mount maybe operably coupled to the axle, and the axle mount may comprise acontact surface that is aligned with the bearing surface of the axle. Anaxle adjustment device may comprise an inclined surface that contactsthe tapered surface of the axle. Additionally, the axle assembly maycomprise means for coupling the axle adjustment device to the axle mountto longitudinally position the axle mount relative to the axle, andmeans for exerting a compression force between the contact surface ofthe axle mount and the bearing surface of the axle.

A method for removably attaching an axle assembly to an axle mount isdisclosed herein. The method may comprise locating a positional axlemounting structure at a first positional locator that projects from anouter surface of the axle, and locating an additional axle mountingstructure at a second positional locator that projects from the outersurface of the axle. An adjustment device may be positioned between thepositional axle mounting structure and the axle mount, and theadjustment device may be attached to the axle mount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a planar view of an example transportable mountingstructure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an example load transport apparatuscomprising a removable axle assembly.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an example load transport apparatuscomprising an axle assembly removably attached to a lift apparatus.

FIG. 4A illustrates the example axle assembly of FIG. 3 partiallydisconnected from the lift apparatus.

FIG. 4B illustrates a bottom plan view of the example axle assembly ofFIG. 4A partially disconnected.

FIG. 5 illustrates the example axle assembly of FIG. 3 in the process ofbeing separated from the lift apparatus.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example load transport system comprising aremovable axle assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example load transport system comprising aremovable axle assembly.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet a further example load transport systemcomprising a removable axle assembly.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example variation of the load transport system ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example load transport system in an elevatedposition.

FIG. 11A illustrates the example load transport system of FIG. 10 with adisconnected axle assembly.

FIG. 11B illustrates the example load transport system of FIG. 11A withthe disconnected axle assembly rotated ninety degrees.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example process associated with removablyattaching an axle assembly to an axle mount and an example process forremoving the axle assembly.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of an example axle assembly comprisingan axle attached to an axle mount.

FIG. 14 illustrates a close up view of the example axle assembly of FIG.13 with the axle located by one or more position devices.

FIG. 15 illustrates the example axle assembly of FIG. 14 with an axleadjustment device located between a position device and the axle mount.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the example axle assembly of FIG. 14with a plurality of axle adjustment devices.

FIG. 17A illustrates a top view of an example axle assembly comprisingone or more axle position adjustment devices.

FIG. 17B illustrates an enlarged partial side view of the example axleassembly of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 illustrates another example axle assembly comprising one or moreaxle position adjustment devices.

FIG. 19 illustrates yet another example axle assembly comprising one ormore axle position adjustment devices.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example axle assembly comprising a removableaxle.

FIG. 21 illustrates a further example axle assembly comprising aremovable axle.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example process associated with removablyattaching an axle assembly and an example process for removing the axleassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A support structure for carrying a heavy load, such as an oil rig, maycomprise one or more load transporting apparatus or systems that areused for transporting the support structure. Such loads may be as heavyas several thousand tons and may be sequentially positioned veryprecisely over spaced-apart well bores, for example. The loadtransporting apparatuses or systems may include one or more axleassemblies.

FIG. 1 illustrates a planar view of an example transportable mountingstructure 100. The mounting structure 100 may comprise a platform 110 orheavy duty trailer, for example. A plurality of load transportapparatus, such as first load transport apparatus 120, may be connectedto the platform 110 at one or both ends. For example, first loadtransport apparatus 120 may be connected at a front end of platform 110and a second load transport apparatus 130 may be connected at a rear endof platform 110. Additional load transport structures may be connectedat the corresponding left and right sides of either end. Depending onthe size of mounting structure 100 and/or the weight of the load beingtransported on platform 110, additional load transport devices may beconnected at one or more positions along the length and/or width ofmounting structure.

First load transport apparatus 120 may be rigidly and/or directlyattached to platform 110 as a stand-alone assembly. In some examples,second load transport apparatus 130 may be connected to platform 110 viaa trailer assembly 150 (shown in dashed lines) comprising a plurality ofload transport apparatus. In some examples, trailer assembly 150 maycomprise a load dividing trailer, a“jeep” trailer, other types oftrailers, or any combination thereof.

Trailer assembly 150 may be configured to mount to a tow vehicle (notshown) and in some examples, the entire trailer assembly 150 may beconfigured to pivot or turn with respect to platform 110 duringtransport of and/or maneuvering mounting structure 100. One or both offirst load transport apparatus 120 and second load transport apparatus130 may comprise an axle assembly and/or a lift device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an example load transport apparatus200 comprising a removable axle assembly 250. A lift apparatus 210 maybe coupled to a load bearing support structure 290. Axle assembly 250may be operably coupled to lift apparatus 210 by coupling apparatus 270.

Lift apparatus 210 may additionally be operably coupled to axle assembly250 via coupling apparatus 270 and/or by an axle mount frame 240. Axleassembly 250 may comprise an axle 230 that passes through and/or isrotationally coupled to axle mount frame 240. Four wheels 255 are shownas being connected to axle 230, although more or fewer wheels associatedwith axle assembly 250 are contemplated herein.

In some examples, axle assembly 250 may be configured to rotate orarticulate about an articulating connection 280 of coupling apparatus270. Articulating connection 280 may provide for the articulation ofaxle assembly 250 about an axis of rotation which is substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of rotation of axle 230.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial cross-sectional side view of an exampleload transport apparatus 300 comprising an axle assembly 350 removablyattached to a lift apparatus 310. Lift apparatus 310 may comprise a liftcylinder and a lift cylinder rod 320 (partially shown in dashed lines)operably coupled to axle assembly 350 by a coupling apparatus 470. Liftcylinder rod 320 may comprise and/or be attached to a piston. In someexamples, coupling apparatus 470 may be configured similarly as couplingapparatus 270 of FIG. 2. Additionally, axle assembly 350 may comprise anaxle 330 and an axle mount frame 340, similar to axle 230 and axle mountframe 240 of FIG. 2.

Coupling apparatus 470 may comprise one or more fasteners 315, such as abolt, a clamp, a nut, a screw fitting, a pin, a clip, other types offastening and/or attachment devices, or any combination thereof.Additionally, fasteners 315 may be configured to rigidly fasten thelower end of lift cylinder rod 320 to coupling apparatus 470. Forexample, coupling apparatus 470 may comprise a clamping plate 410 thatis configured to draw lift cylinder rod 320 into direct contact withcoupling apparatus 470 as fasteners 315 are tightened and/or otherwisesecured. Fasteners 315 are illustrated as passing through clamping plate410 and into the lower end of lift cylinder rod 320.

FIG. 4A illustrates the example axle assembly 350 of FIG. 3 partiallydisconnected from the lift apparatus. Clamping plate 410 is shown havingbeen disconnected from the lower end of lift cylinder rod 320 followingthe removal of fasteners 315 (FIG. 3), such that the upper surface ofclamping plate 410 is no longer in contact with the lower surface of oneor more mounting structures 420 of coupling apparatus 470. The one ormore mounting structures 420 may be configured to provide a fitted seator receptacle for the lower end of lift cylinder rod 320.

Lift cylinder rod 320 may be configured with a tapered or angled surface325 which narrows to a smaller diameter lower end that attaches toclamping plate 410 via fasteners 315 (FIG. 3). The lower portion of liftcylinder rod 320 may comprise a partial cone-shaped exterior surface.The one or more mounting structures 420 may similarly include a taperedor angled surface that align or mate with the tapered surface 325 oflift cylinder rod 320. The one or more mounting structures 420 may beconfigured as a ring that encircles the circumference of lift cylinderrod 320.

Coupling apparatus 470 may comprise two mounting rings that areconfigured to contact support lift cylinder rod 320 at two differentelevations along tapered surface 325. By securing and/or tighteningclamping plate 410 to the lower surface of the one or more mountingstructures 420, the tapered surface 325 of lift cylinder rod 320 may bepressed against and/or firmly secured against the corresponding angledsurface(s) of the one or more mounting structures 420.

FIG. 4B illustrates a bottom plan view of the example axle assembly 350of FIG. 4A partially disconnected from the lift cylinder rod 320 orother type of axle mount. Axle mount frame 340 is omitted from thebottom plan view for clarity. Clamping plate 410 is shown having beendisconnected from the lower end of lift cylinder rod 320 following theremoval of fasteners 315 (FIG. 3) from mounting holes 415.

With axle assembly 350 and coupling apparatus 470 partially disconnectedfrom lift cylinder rod 320, the tapered surface 325 of lift cylinder rod320 may rotate relative to the angled surface 425 of mounting structure420. In practice, the axle assembly 350 including mounting structure 420and coupling apparatus 470 may rotate with respect to lift cylinder rod320, however for purposes of illustration lift cylinder rod 320 is shownin a rotated position to illustrate the relative change in position ofmounting holes 415 with respect to mounting structure 420. In someexamples, axle assembly 350 may be rotated ninety degrees with respectto the lift cylinder rod 320, such that mounting holes 415 will also beplaced at a ninety degree angle of rotation with respect to mountingstructure 420.

Clamping plate 410 may be positioned relative to lift cylinder rod 320such that mounting holes 815 associated with clamping plate 410 alignwith mounting holes 415 when axle assembly 350 is reattached to liftcylinder rod 320 in the rotated position. Mounting holes 415, 815 areeach shown as including three holes, however other numbers of holes maysimilarly be used to removably attach axle assembly 350 to lift cylinderrod 320.

FIG. 5 illustrates the example axle assembly 350 of FIG. 3 in theprocess of being separated from the lift apparatus. In the illustratedexample, axle assembly 350 is shown being moved away from lift cylinderrod 320 in the generally downward direction shown by arrow 525, suchthat tapered surface 325 is no longer in contact with a correspondingangled surface 425 of the one or more mounting structures 420. Thetapered surface 325 of lift cylinder rod 320 is configured to facilitatethe insertion and/or removal of lift cylinder rod 320 from couplingapparatus 470. For example, the tapered surface 325 prevents liftcylinder rod 320 from becoming unintentionally wedged within the one ormore mounting structures 420, and that otherwise might make withdrawalof lift cylinder rod 320 difficult and/or require excessive force forremoval which might damage one or more components.

Although arrow 525 indicates a relative downward movement of axleassembly 350 with respect to lift cylinder rod 320, in some examples itmay be more convenient to raise the lift cylinder rod 320 and/or entirelift apparatus up and out of coupling apparatus 470, while the wheelsassociated with axle assembly 350 are resting on the ground or othersupport surface. In still other examples, axle assembly 350 may be movedin a lateral direction, or sideways, from lift cylinder rod 320 afterbeing disconnected.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example load transport system comprising aremovable axle assembly 650 shown in a partially exploded view. Axleassembly 650 may be removably coupled to an axle mount 620. The axlemount 620 may be connected to a load bearing frame or platform, such asload bearing support structure 290 and/or platform 110 (FIG. 1). Axlemount 620 may comprise a tapered lower end, illustrated as taperedsurface 625, which gradually decreases in diameter as compared to themain or upper body of the axle mount 620.

In some examples, axle mount 620 may comprise one or more beams,pillars, shafts, struts, linkage, other types of mounting and/or supportstructures, such as an “A-arm” used in the automotive industry, or anycombination thereof. In still other examples, axle mount 620 maycomprise a hydraulic lift cylinder rod and/or piston, similar tocylinder rod 320 of the lift apparatus 310 (FIG. 3).

Axle assembly 650 may comprise a coupling apparatus 670 including anaxle mounting structure 630. Axle mounting structure 630 may comprise anangled surface 635 approximately aligned with the tapered surface 625associated with axle mount 620. Axle assembly 650 may be removablycoupled to axle mount 620 such that the tapered surface 635 of axlemounting structure 630 comes into contact with the angled surface 635 ofaxle mount 620. Axle mounting structure 630 may comprise a disc, a ring,or a plate that is configured to essentially surround the axle mount 620about the circumference of tapered surface 625. Angled surface 635 maybe formed on a through-hole of axle mounting structure 630.

In some examples, substantially the entire angled surface 635 of axlemounting structure 630 may come into direct contact with the taperedsurface 625 of axle mount 620. In other examples, a majority of theangled surface 635 of axle mounting structure 630 may come into directcontact with the tapered surface 625 of axle mount 620.

A clamping plate 610 may be used to secure axle mounting structure 630to axle mount 620. Clamping plate 610 may be configured similarly asclamping plate 410 (FIG. 3). For example, one or more fastening devicesmay be configured to secure and/or tighten clamping plate 610 to axlemounting structure 630 and/or to axle mount 620.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example load transport system comprising aremovable axle assembly 750. An axle mount 720 may be connected to aload bearing frame or platform, and additionally may comprise twotapered surfaces, illustrated as a first tapered surface 721 and asecond tapered surface 722. First tapered surface 721 may graduallyincrease in diameter from the main or upper body of axle mount 720 to araised portion 725. Second tapered surface 722 may gradually decrease indiameter from the raised portion 725 towards the lower end 710 of axlemount 720. In some example, raised portion 725 may form a ridge and/orbe associated with a maximum diameter of axle mount 720.

First tapered surface 721 may be configured to contact a clamping device760. Clamping device 760 may be configured as a disc, a ring, a washer,or a plate which at least partially surrounds axle mount 720.Additionally, one or more fasteners 740, such as a bolt, a clamp, a nut,a screw fitting, a pin, a clip, other types of fastening and/orattachment devices, or any combination thereof, may be configured torigidly fasten axle mount 720 to a coupling apparatus 770. For example,clamping device 760 may be configured to draw axle mount 720 into directcontact with an axle mounting structure 730 associated with couplingapparatus 770, as fasteners 740 are tightened and/or otherwise secured.

Second tapered surface 722 may be configured similarly as the one ormore mounting structures 420 (FIG. 4), in that the second taperedsurface 722 of axle mount 720 may be configured to contact acorrespondingly angled surface of an axle mounting structure 730associated with coupling apparatus 770.

Fasteners 740 are illustrated as passing through or into both clampingdevice 760 and axle mounting structure 730. One or more nuts 745 orother types of tensioning devices may be configured to adjust thetension provided by fasteners 740 as the nuts 745 are tightened orloosened. Fasteners 740 may be configured to provide a compression forceon the lower end of axle mount 720 between axle mounting structure 730and clamping device 760. In some examples, axle mount 720 may comprise aload support frame, a lift cylinder, an axle linkage, other types ofsupport structures, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet a further example load transport systemcomprising a removable axle assembly 850. Axle assembly 850 may beremovably coupled to an axle mount, similar to axle mount 620 (FIG. 6),and/or to a lift apparatus, such as lift cylinder rod 320 (FIG. 3).

Axle assembly 850 may comprise a coupling system 870 including aplurality of mounting structures 830. The plurality of mountingstructures 830 may comprise an angled surface 835. Additionally,coupling system 870 may comprise an adjustment device 840 configured tovary the position of the plurality of mounting structures 830 and/or tovary the angled surface 835.

In some examples adjustment device 840 may be moved laterally through asupport plate of coupling system 870 to effectuate a correspondinglateral movement of one or more of the plurality of mounting structures830 in the lateral direction 822. For example, the plurality of mountingstructures 830 may be moved outward to accommodate a larger diameteraxle mount and/or a larger diameter lift cylinder rod. Alternatively,the plurality of mounting structures 830 may be moved inward toaccommodate a smaller diameter axle mount and/or a smaller diameter liftcylinder rod. A bolt 845 or other type of securing device may beconfigured to retain the position of the plurality of mountingstructures 830 at a fixed distance from each other.

The plurality of mounting structures 830 may be rotated 824 about apivot 820 attached at an end of adjustment device 840 to vary one ormore angles associated with angled surface 835. For example, theplurality of mounting structures 830 may be rotated downward toaccommodate an axle mount and/or a lift cylinder rod having a taperedsurface which only slightly deviates from vertical. Alternatively, theplurality of mounting structures 830 may be rotated upward toaccommodate an axle mount and/or a lift cylinder rod having a taperedsurface which deviates more substantially from vertical.

The position of the one or more mounting structures 830 may be adjustedso that a majority or substantially the entire angled surface 835 of theplurality of mounting structures 830 may come into direct contact withthe tapered surface of a variety of different axle mounts and/or liftcylinder rods of varying sizes, diameters, or tapered angles.

In some examples, coupling system 870 may comprise and/or be configuredto operate with a clamping device, such as clamping plate 410 (FIG. 3)or clamping device 760 (FIG. 7), and additionally, one or fasteningdevices such as fasteners 315 (FIG. 3) or fasteners 740 (FIG. 7).

FIG. 9 illustrates an example variation 800 of the load transport systemof FIG. 8. In this example, an upper clamping device 860 may beconfigured to work in conjunction with the adjustable position mountingstructures 830 operably coupled to a support plate 880. Upper clampingdevice 860 may be coupled to mounting structures 830 by a number ofupper fasteners 885. Upper fasteners 885 may be configured to adjust theposition of upper clamping device 860 in the vertical direction 875. Forexample, the distance between upper clamping device 860 and the mountingstructures may be varied by moving upper clamping device 860 either upor down.

Upper clamping device 860 may comprise a disc or plate that isconfigured to essentially surround an axle mount and/or lift cylinderrod about its diameter. Additionally, upper clamping device 860 maycomprise a through-hole 865 with tapered walls.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example load transport system 900 in an elevatedposition. In the elevated position, a lift device 910 may be configuredto extend a lift cylinder rod 920 such that a load bearing frame orplatform 990 may be raised while the wheels 955 of an axle assembly 950are located on the ground 975. In some examples, axel assembly 950 maybe configured similarly as axle assembly 250 (FIG. 2).

FIG. 11A illustrates the example load transport system 900 of FIG. 10with a disconnected axle assembly 950. Lift cylinder rod 920 may bedisconnected from a coupling system 970 prior to withdrawing liftcylinder rod 920 into a lift cylinder of the lift device 910. In someexamples, coupling system 970 may be configured similarly to one or moreof the coupling systems illustrated and described at FIGS. 2-9.

Prior to disconnecting lift cylinder rod 920 from coupling system 970,one or more support struts 980 may be configured to support the weightof platform 990. Support strut 980 may comprise a base foot 985 thatcontacts the ground 975 or other support surface. With the one or moresupport struts 980 in place, lift cylinder rod 920 may be disconnectedfrom coupling system 970 while maintaining platform 990 in the sameelevated position with respect to the ground 975. Once lift cylinder rod920 has been disconnected, axle assembly 950 may be moved out from underone or both of lift device 910 and platform 990.

Removal of axle assembly 950 may facilitate access to lift device 910for purposes of repair, maintenance, or replacement. In some examples,the same axle assembly 950 may be reconnected to a repaired or replacedlift device.

FIG. 11B illustrates the example load transport system 900 of FIG. 11Awith the disconnected axle assembly 950 rotated ninety degrees withrespect to platform 990. In some examples, one or both of axle assembly950 and lift cylinder rod 920 may be configured similarly as axleassembly 350 and lift cylinder rod 320 illustrated in FIG. 18. With axleassembly 950 rotated ninety degrees and reattached to lift apparatus910, the wheels 955 may be configured to allow load transport system 900to be moved in a perpendicular direction as compared to the assembledload transport system 900 illustrated in FIG. 10.

Support strut 980 may be configured to support the weight of platform990 on base foot 985 to facilitate the rotation of axle assembly 950with respect to lift cylinder rod 920. Once lift cylinder rod 920 hasbeen reattached to the rotated axle assembly 950, support strut 980 maybe removed out from under platform 990 or retracted.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example process 1000 associated with removablyattaching an axle assembly to an axle mount and an example process 1050for removing the axle assembly. At operation 1010, a lower end of theaxle mount may be positioned within an axle mounting structure. The axlemounting structure may comprise an inner surface aligned with anon-vertical tapered surface of the axle mount.

At operation 1020, the process may comprise securing one or morefastening devices attached to a clamping structure. In some examples,the axle mount may comprise a cylinder rod associated with a hydrauliclift cylinder, and the clamping structure may be positioned beneath thecylinder rod. Securing the one or more fastening devices may comprisemounting a plurality of bolts to a bottom surface of the cylinder rod.The plurality of bolts may pass through the clamping structure and intothe bottom surface of the cylinder rod.

At operation 1030, a compression force may be exerted, such as by theclamping structure, to maintain contact between the tapered surface ofthe axle mount and the inner surface of the axle mounting structure. Thecompression force may result from securing the one or more fasteningdevices. In some examples, the clamping structure may comprise a platelocated above the axle mounting structure, and a through-hole of theplate may be configured to provide a seat for the axle mount. Securingthe one or more fastening devices may comprise coupling the plate to theaxle mounting structure with a plurality of bolts.

At operation 1060 of removal process 1050, the fastening devices may beloosened and/or detached. For example, one or more bolts may beunscrewed from the clamping structure and/or from the bottom surface ofa cylinder rod. Loosening the fastening devices may result in theremoval of the compression force that otherwise maintained contactbetween the tapered surface of the axle mount and the inner surface ofthe axle mounting structure.

At operation 1070, with the fastening devices having been loosened, theaxle assembly may be removed from the axle mount.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of an example axle assembly 1350comprising an axle 1330 attached to an axle mount frame 1380. In someexamples, the axle mount frame 1380 may be connected to a load bearingframe or platform, such as load bearing support structure 290 (FIG. 2)and/or platform 110 (FIG. 1). The axle assembly 1350 may comprise anumber of wheels 1355 rotationally mounted on axle 1330.

FIG. 14 illustrates a close up view of the example axle assembly 1350 ofFIG. 13 with the axle 1330 located by one or more position devices. Theposition devices may comprise a first axle mounting pin 1321 and asecond axle mounting pin 1322. Axle mount frame 1380 may comprise apositional mounting structure 1360 configured to receive first axlemounting pin 1321. Additionally, axle mount frame 1380 may comprise oneor more axle mounting structures, such as a first axle mountingstructure 1361, configured to receive second axle mounting pin 1322.First and second axle mounting pins 1321, 1322 may project out from asurface of axle 1330 and pass at least partially pass through positionalmounting structure 1360 and first axle mounting structure 1361,respectively.

Positional mounting structure 1360 may comprise a partial opening intowhich first axle mounting pin 1321 is located in order to position axlemount frame 1380 relative to axle 1330. First axle mounting structure1361 may comprise a through hole into which second axle mounting pin1322 may be located after positioning axle mount frame 1380 relative tothe first axle mounting pin 1321. Positional mounting structure 1360 maybe configured to account for any tolerance build up in axle mount frame1380 relative to the location of first and second axle mounting pins1321, 1322. For example, the partial opening of positional mountingstructure 1360 may be configured to allow for positional adjustment ofpositional mounting structure 1360 relative to first axle mounting pin1321 when assembling the axle mount frame 1380 to axle 1330.

Positional mounting structure 1360 may be welded or otherwise rigidlyattached to a first trunnion plate 1341 of axle mount frame 1380.Additionally, first axle mounting structure 1361 may be welded orotherwise rigidly attached to a second trunnion plate 1342 of axle mountframe 1380. By locating positional mounting structure 1360 and firstaxle mounting structure 1361 at first and second axle mounting pins1321, 1322, the position of axle mount frame 1380 may be substantiallyfixed with respect to axle 1330 both longitudinally and rotationally.

FIG. 15 illustrates the example axle assembly 1350 of FIG. 14 with anaxle adjustment device, such as a wedge 1371, located between the secondaxle mounting pin 1322 and the second trunnion plate 1342 of the axlemount frame 1380. In some examples, wedge 1371 may be driven, pressed,pushed, or otherwise inserted into the space between the second axlemounting pin 1322 and the second trunnion plate 1342. Wedge 1371 maycomprise an inclined surface that contacts second axle pin 1322. In theinstalled position, wedge 1371 may be configured to exert asubstantially inward or compressive force against second trunnion plate1342.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the example axle assembly 1350 of FIG.14 with a plurality of axle adjustment devices. The axle adjustmentdevices may comprise one or more wedges inserted between at least one ofthe position devices and the axle mount frame 1380. In some examples,one or both of first and second axle mounting pins 1321, 1322 may passcompletely through axle 1330. In other examples, one or both of firstand second axle mounting pins 1321, 1322 may comprise bosses thatproject from the outer surface of axle 1330.

First axle mounting structure 1361 may be located at or near a first endof second axle mounting pin 1322, and a second axle mounting structure1362 may be located at or near a second end of second axle mounting pin1322 on an opposite side of axle 1330. A second wedge 1372 may beinserted between the second axle mounting pin 1322 and the secondtrunnion plate 1342 of the axle mount frame 1380, similar to wedge 1371.The second wedge 1372 may be located adjacent second axle mountingstructure 1362.

Positional mounting structure 1360 may be located at or near a first endof first axle mounting pin 1321, and a third axle mounting structure1363 may be located at or near a second end of first axle mounting pin1321 on an opposite side of axle 1330. A third wedge 1373 may beinserted between the first axle mounting pin 1321 and the first trunnionplate 1341 of the axle mount frame 1380. The third wedge 1373 may belocated adjacent third axle mounting structure 1363.

One or both of second axle mounting structure 1362 and third axlemounting structure 1363 may be configured similarly as first axlemounting structure 1361, namely to include a through-hole. In otherexamples, one or both of second axle mounting structure 1362 and thirdaxle mounting structure 1363 may be configured similarly as positionalaxle mounting structure 1360, namely to include a partial opening thatmay be configured to account for any tolerance build up between axlemount frame 1380 and the positions of first and second axle mountingpins 1321, 1322.

First wedge 1371 and second wedge 1372 may be welded or otherwiserigidly attached to second trunnion plate 1342 once the position of axlemount frame 1380 has been finally determined with respect to axle 1330.Similarly, third wedge 1373 may be welded or otherwise rigidly attachedto first trunnion plate 1341. By positioning and affixing the wedges toaxle mount frame 1380, the axial load placed on axle 1330 may besubstantially evenly transferred to positional mounting structure 1360and the three axle mounting structures 1361, 1362, 1363.

The positional adjustment of axle mount frame 1380 relative to axle 1330may only need to be completed during an initial installation of axleassembly 1350. For example, the plurality of wedges may remain rigidlyattached to the first and second trunnion plates 1341, 1342 during anysubsequent assembly and/or disassembly of the axle assembly 1350.

When removing axle 1330 from axle mount frame 1380, one or both of firstand second axle mounting pins 1321, 1322 may be at least partiallyremoved or withdrawn from axle 1330. For example, with first axlemounting pin 1321 withdrawn from axle 1330, axle 1330 may be slid orotherwise moved longitudinally in order to disengage the second axlemounting pin 1322 from first axle mounting structure 1361 and fromsecond axle mounting structure 1362. With the axle mounting structuresdisengaged from the axle mounting pins, axle 1330 may be disconnectedand/or separated from axle mount frame 1380.

FIG. 17A illustrates a top view of an example axle assembly 1700comprising one or more axle position adjustment devices. An axle mountframe 1780 may be installed on an axle 1730. For example, axle mountframe 1780 may be slid onto the approximate center of axle 1730 duringan assembly process.

One or more position devices may project from the surface of axle 1730.For example, a first position device 1721 may be located on an oppositeside of axle 1730 as a second position device 1722. Both the first andsecond position devices 1721, 1722 may be located near one end of axlemount frame 1780. Similarly, a third position device 1723 and a fourthposition device 1724 may project from the surface of axle 1730 near theother end of axle mount frame 1780. Axle mount frame 1780 may comprise afirst trunnion plate 1741 and a second trunnion plate 1742.

One or more axle adjustment devices may be configured to adjust theposition of the axle 1730 relative to axle mount frame 1780. Forexample, a first axle adjustment device 1771 may be inserted betweenfirst trunnion plate 1742 and first position device 1721. First positiondevice 1721 may comprise an engagement apparatus 1761. Engagementapparatus 1761 may be configured to provide a bearing surface thatcontacts first axle adjustment device 1771. One or more additionalengagement devices 1762, 1763, 1764 may similarly be configured tocontact other axle adjustment devices.

The one or more axle adjustment devices 1771, 1772, 1773, 1774 may beconfigured to ensure that the axle 1730 is securely coupled to axlemount frame 1780 by applying an inward directing or compressive forceagainst both ends of axle mount frame 1780. For example, third andfourth axle adjustment devices 1773, 1774 may be configured to exert aninward force against first trunnion plate 1741. Similarly, first andsecond axle adjustment devices 1771, 1772 may be configured to exert aninward force against second trunnion plate 1742.

FIG. 17B illustrates an enlarged partial side view of the example axleassembly 1700 of FIG. 17A. One or more axle adjustment positionassemblies, such as fourth axle adjustment device 1774, may beconfigured as a positional mounting structure to locate an initialposition of the axle 1730 relative to the axle mount frame 1780. Forexample, fourth axle adjustment device 1774 may provide a bearingsurface that presses up against the exterior surface of first trunnionplate 1741.

In some examples, first axle adjustment device 1771 may be insertedbetween the first position device 1721 and the second trunnion plate1742 after the fourth axle adjustment device 1774 has already beenpositioned adjacent first trunnion plate 1741. The first engagementapparatus 1761 may be configured to rotate relative to first positiondevice 1721. The rotation of first engagement apparatus 1761 may form acontact surface which is aligned with an inclined surface 1775 of firstaxle adjustment device 1771.

First axle adjustment device 1771 may be configured to press the axlemount frame 1780 against the fourth axle adjustment device 1774 when thefirst axle adjustment device 1771 is placed in contact with firstposition device 1721 via the first engagement device 1761. When the axleassembly 1700 is assembled, fourth axle adjustment device 1774 may beconfigured to prohibit relative movement between the axle 1730 and theaxle mount frame 1780 in a first longitudinal directional along therotational axis of the axle assembly 1700. Similarly, first axleadjustment device 1771 may be configured to prohibit relative movementbetween the axle 1730 and the axle mount frame 1780 in a second oropposite longitudinal directional.

Axle assembly 1700 may be configured to constrain the longitudinal androtational position of the axle mount frame 1780 relative to the axle1730 at the selected position. In some examples, one or more of the axleadjustment devices may be welded to the axle mount frame 1780 and/or toone or more of the position devices in the selected position.

FIG. 18 illustrates another example axle assembly 1800 comprising one ormore axle position adjustment devices. An axle mount frame 1880 may beinstalled between a first end 1831 and a second end 1832 of an axle1830. For example, axle mount frame 1880 may be slid over second end1832 of axle 1830 during an assembly process. In other examples, axle1830 may be configured to slide into a through-hole 1885 of axle mountframe 1880 during the assembly process. Axle assembly 1800 is shown in apartially assembled position, in which a first trunnion plate 1841 ofaxle mount frame 1880 is located near a positional mounting structure1835 of axle 1830.

First end 1831 may comprise a larger diameter than second end 1832 ofaxle 1830 and, in some examples, positional mounting structure 1835 maybe formed at the intersection of the two different diameters.Additionally, a diameter associated with the through-hole 1885 of axlemount frame 1880 may be sized intermediate the diameters of first andsecond end 1831, 1832, so that axle mount frame 1880 may be configuredto slide over second end 1832, but be too small to slide over first end1831. In some examples, positional mounting structure 1835 may comprisea bearing surface that is substantially perpendicular to the length ofthe axle 1830.

Positional mounting structure 1835 may be configured to locate aninitial position of the axle 1830 relative to the axle mount frame 1880.Additionally, positional mounting structure 1835 may be configured toprovide a bearing surface that contacts first trunnion plate 1841. Oneor more position devices may project from the surface of axle 1830. Forexample, a position device 1821 may be located on opposite side of axlemount frame 1880 as positional mounting structure 1835.

Position device 1821 may be inserted into a groove 1851 formed in axle1830. In some examples groove 1851 may be formed around thecircumference of axle 1830. Position device 1821 may comprise a ring ora partial ring such as a c-clamp that fits within groove 1851. Axlemount frame 1880 may be configured to be located at the approximatecenter of axle 1880, such that first trunnion plate 1841 is located nextto positional mounting structure 1835 and second trunnion plate 1841 islocated next to position device 1821.

One or more axle adjustment devices, such as axle adjustment device1871, may be inserted between position device 1821 and the secondtrunnion plate 1842 after first trunnion plate 1841 has been placed incontact with positional mounting structure 1835. Axle adjustment device1871 may comprise an inclined surface 1875 configured to contact theposition device 1821. The angle of inclined surface 1871 may align withthe angle of the bearing surface of position device 1821. Axleadjustment device 1871 may be configured to exert a compressive forceagainst or between the axle mount frame 1880 and the positional mountingstructure 1835 when the axle adjustment device 1871 is placed in contactwith the position device 1821.

Axle adjustment device 1871 may be configured to ensure that the axle1830 is securely coupled to axle mount frame 1880 by applying an inwarddirecting force against both ends of axle mount frame 1880. For example,positional mounting structure 1835 may be configured to exert an inwardforce against first trunnion plate 1841. Similarly, position device 1821and/or axle adjustment device 1871 may be configured to exert an inwardforce against second trunnion plate 1842.

When the axle assembly 1800 is assembled, position device 1821 andpositional mounting structure 1835 may be configured to prohibitrelative movement between the axle 1830 and the axle mount frame 1880.For example, axle assembly 1800 may be configured to constrain thelongitudinal position of the axle mount frame 1880 relative to the axle1830 at the selected position. In some examples, axle adjustment device1871 may be welded to the axle mount frame 1880 and/or to positiondevice 1821 in the selected position.

FIG. 19 illustrates yet another example axle assembly 1900 comprisingone or more axle position adjustment devices. An axle mount frame 1980may be installed between a first end 1931 and a second end 1932 of anaxle 1930. First end 1931 and second end 1932 of axle 1930 may beassociated with the same axle diameter. A central diameter 1985 of axle1930 may be larger than the diameters of first and second ends 1931,1932.

Axle assembly 1900 is shown in a partially assembled configuration, inwhich a first trunnion plate 1941 is attached to a first position device1921 on one side of axle mount frame 1980, and a second position device1922 is being moved into position on an opposite side of axle mountframe 1980. First position device 1921 may comprise a plate or a ringthat is attached to first trunnion plate 1941 by one or more axleadjustment devices 1971. In some examples, axle adjustment device 1971may comprise a bolt or some other type of securing device that isconfigured to adjust the distance or position of axle mount frame 1980relative to first position device 1921. First position device 1921 maybe slid over first end 1931 of axle 1930.

A positional mounting structure 1935 may be formed by the transitionbetween central diameter 1985 and the smaller diameter of either end1931, 1932 of axle 1930. Positional mounting structure 1935 may beconfigured to locate an initial position of the axle 1930 relative tothe axle mount frame 1980. Additionally, positional mounting structure1935 may be configured to provide a bearing surface against firstposition device 1921 and second position device 1921.

One or more axle adjustment devices, such as second axle adjustmentdevice 1972, may be configured to operably couple second position device1922 and second trunnion plate 1942 after first position device 1921 hasbeen coupled to first trunnion plate 1941. Second axle adjustment device1972 may be configured to pass through a mounting hole 1925 of secondposition device 1922 and into second trunnion plate 1942. Second axleadjustment device 1972 may be configured to exert a compressive forceagainst or between the axle mount frame 1980 and the positional mountingstructure 1935 when the second axle adjustment device 1972 is tightenedand/or secured to second position device 1922.

First and second position devices 1921, 1922 may be configured to ensurethat the axle 1930 is securely coupled to axle mount frame 1980 byapplying an inward directing force against both ends of axle mount frame1980. When the axle assembly 1900 is assembled, first and secondposition devices 1921, 1922 may be configured to prohibit relativemovement between the axle 1930 and the axle mount frame 1980.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example axle assembly 2000 comprising an axle2020 configured to be removably attached to an axle mount 2010. Axlemount 2010 may be connected to a load bearing frame or platform. Theaxle 2020 may comprise two non-horizontal tapered surfaces, illustratedas a first tapered surface 2021 and a second tapered surface 2022. Firsttapered surface 2021 may gradually increase in diameter from the mainbody of axle 2020 to a raised portion 2025. Second tapered surface 2022may also gradually decrease in diameter from the main body of axle 2020to the raised portion 2025. In some examples, the amount of increase indiameter, or slope, may vary as between first tapered surface 2021 andsecond tapered surface 2022. The raised portion 2025 may form a ridgeand/or be associated with a maximum diameter of axle 2020.

First tapered surface 2021 may be configured to contact a clampingdevice 2060. Clamping device 2060 may be configured as a disc, a ring, awasher, or a plate which at least partially surrounds axle 2020.Additionally, one or more fasteners 2040, such as a bolt, a clamp, anut, a screw fitting, a pin, a clip, other types of fastening and/orattachment devices, or any combination thereof, may be configured torigidly fasten axle 2020 to axle mount 2010. For example, clampingdevice 2060 may be configured to draw axle mount 2010 into directcontact with the second tapered surface 2022 of axle 2020, as fasteners2040 are tightened and/or otherwise secured. Second tapered surface 2022may be configured to contact a correspondingly angled inner surface orthrough-hole of axle mount 2010.

Fasteners 2040 are illustrated as passing through or into both clampingdevice 2060 and axle mount 2010. One or more nuts 2045 or other types oftensioning devices may be configured to adjust the tension provided byfasteners 2040 as the nuts 2045 are tightened or loosened. Fasteners2040 may be configured to provide a compression force between axle mount2010 and clamping device 2060. In some examples, axle mount 2010 maycomprise a load support frame, a lift cylinder, an axle linkage, othertypes of support structures, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 21 illustrates a further example axle assembly 2100 comprising anaxle 2120 configured to be removably attached to an axle mount 2110.Axle mount 2110 may comprise a substantially vertical support plate 2112and a substantially horizontal cross-brace 2114. A through-hole 2115 maybe formed in the support plate 2112 into which the axle 2120 may beinserted. In some examples, the through-hole 2115 may be substantiallyconical in shape.

The axle 2120 may comprise two tapered surfaces, illustrated as a firsttapered surface 2121 and a second tapered surface 2122. First taperedsurface 2121 may gradually increase in diameter from the main body ofaxle 2120 to a raised portion 2125. Second tapered surface 2122 may alsogradually decrease in diameter from the raised portion 2125 to the mainbody of axle 2120. In some examples, the amount of increase in diameter,the angle of incline, and/or the slope, may vary as between firsttapered surface 2121 and second tapered surface 2122. In other examples,the slopes may be the same but oppositely oriented. The raised portion2125 may form a ridge and/or be associated with a maximum diameter ofaxle 2120.

First tapered surface 2121 may be configured to contact a clampingdevice 2160. Clamping device 2160 may be configured as a disc, a ring, awasher, or a plate which at least partially surrounds axle 2120.Additionally, a first set of fasteners 2140, such as a bolt, a clamp, anut, a screw fitting, a pin, a clip, other types of fastening and/orattachment devices, or any combination thereof, may be configured torigidly fasten axle 2120 to axle mount 2110. For example, clampingdevice 2160 may be configured to draw axle mount 2110 into directcontact with the second tapered surface 2122 of axle 2120, as fasteners2140 are tightened and/or otherwise secured. Second tapered surface 2122may be configured to contact a correspondingly angled inner surface ofthrough-hole 2115.

The first set of fasteners 2140 are illustrated as passing through orinto both clamping device 2160 and axle mount 2110. One or more nuts2145 or other types of tensioning devices may be configured to adjustthe tension provided by the first set of fasteners 2140 as the nuts 2145are tightened or loosened. The first set of fasteners 2140 may beconfigured to provide a compression force between axle mount 2110 andclamping device 2160.

A second set of fasteners 2150 may be configured to attach clampingdevice 2160 to axle mount 2110. For example, the second set of fasteners2150 may pass through or into both clamping device 2160 and cross-brace2114. Additionally, one or more nuts 2155 or other types of tensioningdevices may be configured to adjust the tension provided by the secondset of fasteners 2150 as the nuts 2155 are tightened or loosened.

In some examples, axle assembly 2100 may be assembled by sliding axle2120 into the through-hole 2115 until the second tapered surface 2122 isin contact with support plate 2112. Similarly, clamping device 2160 maybe positioned relative to the axle 2120 to contact the first taperedsurface 2122. With axle mount 2110 and clamping device 2160 in positionrelative to axle 2120, the first set of fasteners 2140 and/or the secondset of fasteners 2150 may be used to rigidly connect the axle 2120 tothe axle mount 2110.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example process 2200 associated with removablyattaching an axle assembly and an example process 2250 for removing theaxle assembly.

At operation 2210, a positional axle mounting structure may be locatedat a first position device of the axle. The first position device maycomprise a first pin. The positional axle mounting structure maycomprise a plate with a through hole sized to fit around the first pinwith nominal clearance. The first pin may pass through the axle, suchthat first and second ends of the first pin project out of oppositesides of the axle.

At operation 2220, one or more additional axle mounting structures maybe located at a second position device of the axle. The one or moreadditional axle mounting structures may comprise partial or oversizedopenings that may be configured to compensate for or otherwiseaccommodate any tolerance build up in the axle assembly.

At operation 2230, one or more adjustment devices may be positionedbetween the position devices and an axle mount frame. In some examples,three adjustment devices, such as wedges, may be positioned adjacentthree position devices.

At operation 2240, the adjustment device may be attached to the axlemount frame. The axle mount frame may comprise one or more trunnionplates, and the adjustment device may be welded to the trunnion plate.The axle mount frame may be operably coupled to a load bearing frame orplatform.

At operation 2260 of removal process 2250, one or both of the first andsecond position devices may be at least partially removed from the axle.

At operation 2270, with the first and/or second position devices havingbeen at least partially removed, the axle may be removed from the axlemount frame.

Example Embodiments

A removable axle assembly for transporting a load bearing frame maycomprise an axle, an axle mounting structure operably coupled to theaxle and configured to be removably attached to an axle mount, aclamping structure, and one or more fastening devices attached to theclamping structure. The axle mounting structure may comprise an innersurface that aligns with a non-vertical tapered surface of the axlemount. In response to securing the one or more fastening devices, theclamping structure may be configured to exert a compression force thatmaintains contact between the tapered surface of the axle mount and theinner surface of the axle mounting structure.

The axle mount may comprise a lift assembly including a cylinder rodconfigured to lift the load bearing frame from a lowered position to araised position, and the tapered surface may be provided at a lower endof the cylinder rod. The axle mounting structure may comprise a plate,and the lower end of the cylinder rod may be seated in a through-hole ofthe plate. The inner surface of the through-hole may be aligned with thetapered surface of the lower end of the cylinder rod.

In some examples, the clamping structure may be located beneath the axlemounting structure, and the compression force exerted by the clampingstructure additionally maintains contact between the axle mountingstructure and the clamping structure. Additionally, the one or morefastening devices may comprise one or more bolts that screw into thelower end of the cylinder rod. In response to loosening the one or morefastening devices, the axle assembly may be configured to be detachedfrom the axle mount.

In other examples, the clamping structure may comprise a plate locatedabove the axle mounting structure, and a through-hole of the plate maybe configured to provide a seat for the cylinder rod. The inner surfaceof the through-hole may be aligned with a second tapered surface of thecylinder rod. The second tapered surface of the cylinder rod may belocated above the tapered surface provided at the lower end of thecylinder rod. A raised portion may be formed on the cylinder rodintermediate the second tapered portion and the tapered surface providedat the lower end of the cylinder rod. The one or more fastening devicesmay comprise one or more bolts that couple the axle mounting structureto the plate.

The axle mounting structure may comprise an adjustable mountingstructure that is configured to vary a position of the inner surface toaccommodate axle mounts having different tapered surfaces. Theadjustable mounting structure may comprise a pivot that is configured tovary the angle of the inner surface. The removable axle assembly mayfurther comprise an adjustment device that is configured to vary adistance between two adjustable mounting structures having innersurfaces that face each other. The clamping structure may comprise aplate located above the axle mounting structure, and a through-hole ofthe plate may be configured to provide a seat for the axle mount, andwherein the inner surface of the through-hole is aligned with a secondtapered surface of the axle mount.

A removable axle assembly may comprise an axle and an axle mountingstructure operably coupled to the axle and configured to be removablyattached to an axle mount. The axle mounting structure may comprise aninner surface that is aligned with a non-vertical tapered surface of theaxle mount. Additionally, the removable axle assembly may comprise meansfor securing the tapered surface of the axle mount to the inner surfaceof the axle mounting structure and means for exerting a compressionforce to maintain contact between the tapered surface of the axle mountand the inner surface of the axle mounting structure. The axle mount maycomprise a cylinder rod associated with a hydraulic lift cylinder, andwherein the tapered surface comprises a tapered lower end of thecylinder rod.

A method for removably attaching an axle assembly to an axle mountassociated with a load bearing frame may comprise positioning a lowerend of the axle mount within an axle mounting structure. The axlemounting structure may comprise an inner surface that is aligned with anon-vertical tapered surface of the axle mount. Additionally, the methodmay comprise securing one or more fastening devices attached to aclamping structure and exerting, by the clamping structure, acompression force to maintain contact between the tapered surface of theaxle mount and the inner surface of the axle mounting structure. Thecompression force may result from securing the one or more fasteningdevices.

The axle mount may comprise a cylinder rod associated with a hydrauliclift cylinder, and the clamping structure may be positioned beneath thecylinder rod. Securing the one or more fastening devices may comprisemounting a plurality of bolts to a bottom surface of the cylinder rod.Additionally, the plurality of bolts may pass through the clampingstructure and into the bottom surface of the cylinder rod. In someexamples, the clamping structure may comprise a plate located above theaxle mounting structure. A through-hole of the plate may be configuredto provide a seat for the axle mount, and securing the one or morefastening devices may comprise coupling the metal plate to the axlemounting structure with a plurality of bolt.

An axle assembly may comprise an axle, an axle mount configured to beattached to the axle, a positional locater that projects from an outersurface of the axle and is configured to locate an initial position ofthe axle relative to the axle mount, and an axle adjustment devicecomprising an inclined surface that contacts the positional locater. Acompressive force may be exerted between the axle mount and the axleadjustment device when the axle adjustment device is placed in contactwith the positional locater to maintain the initial position of theaxle.

The axle adjustment device may comprise a wedged shaped device. Thepositional locater may comprise a mounting pin attached to the axle, andthe wedge shaped device may be placed in contact with both the mountingpin and the axle mount. In some examples, the positional locater maycomprise an engagement device having a substantially planar bearingsurface that contacts the inclined surface of the axle adjustmentdevice, and wherein the wedge shaped device is placed in contact withboth the engagement device and the axle mount.

The engagement device may be rotationally coupled to a mounting pin thatprojects from the outer surface of the axle, and a rotational positionof the engagement device relative to the mounting pin may be adjusted toalign the substantially planar bearing surface with the inclined surfaceof the axle adjustment device. In some examples, the engagement devicemay be at least partially located within a groove formed in the outersurface of the axle, and the groove may be configured to inhibit alongitudinal movement of the engagement device with respect to the axle.

The positional locater may comprise a non-vertical tapered portion ofthe axle that increases in diameter from the outer surface of the axleto a raised portion of the axle, and the tapered portion of the axle maycreate a bearing surface that contacts the inclined surface of the axleadjustment device. The axle assembly may further comprise a secondbearing surface located on an opposite side of the raised portion of theaxle as the non-vertical tapered portion, and the second bearing surfacemay contact a surface of the axle mount. The second bearing surface maycomprise a non-vertical tapered portion of the axle, and the secondbearing surface may contact a substantially conical shaped inner surfaceof the axle mount. The substantially conical shaped inner surface maycomprise a through-hole into which the axle is removably inserted. Insome examples, angles of incline associated with the second bearingsurface and the bearing surface that contacts the inclined surface ofthe axle adjustment device may be different from each other.

The axle adjustment device may comprise a clamping device, and theclamping device may be bolted to the axle mount. The clamping device maybe bolted to the axle mount by a first set of bolts oriented in agenerally horizontal orientation and by a second set of bolts orientedin a generally vertical orientation.

An axle assembly may comprise an axle comprising a tapered surface and anon-horizontal bearing surface, and an axle mount operably coupled tothe axle. The axle mount may comprise a contact surface that is alignedwith the bearing surface of the axle. Additionally, the axle assemblymay comprise an axle adjustment device comprising an inclined surfacethat contacts the tapered surface of the axle, means for coupling theaxle adjustment device to the axle mount to longitudinally position theaxle mount relative to the axle, and means for exerting a compressionforce between the contact surface of the axle mount and the bearingsurface of the axle.

The non-horizontal bearing surface may comprise a second tapered surfaceof the axle, and the axle mount may comprise a through-hole having aninner surface which is substantially conical in shape to receive thesecond tapered surface of the axle. In some examples, the bearingsurface may be substantially perpendicular to the axle.

A method for removably attaching an axle assembly to an axle mount maycomprise locating a positional axle mounting structure at a firstpositional locator that projects from an outer surface of the axle,locating an additional axle mounting structure at a second positionallocator that projects from the outer surface of the axle, positioning anadjustment device between the positional axle mounting structure and theaxle mount, and attaching the adjustment device to the axle mount.

The first positional locator may comprise a first pin, and thepositional axle mounting structure may comprise a plate with athrough-hole sized to fit around the first pin. The adjustment devicemay comprise a wedge shaped device having a bearing surface, andpositioning the adjustment device may comprise aligning the bearingsurface to a contact surface of the positional axle mounting structure.The method may further comprise rigidly fixing a position of theadjustment device relative to the positional axle mounting structureafter the bearing surface is aligned with the contact surface.

Having described and illustrated various examples herein, it should beapparent that other examples may be modified in arrangement and detail.We claim all modifications and variations coming within the spirit andscope of the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A removable axle assembly for transportinga load bearing frame, comprising: an axle; an axle mounting structureoperably coupled to the axle and configured to be removably attached toan axle mount, wherein the axle mounting structure comprises an innersurface that aligns with a non-vertical tapered surface of the axlemount; a clamping structure; and one or more fastening devices attachedto the clamping structure, wherein in response to securing the one ormore fastening devices, the clamping structure is configured to exert acompression force that maintains contact between the tapered surface ofthe axle mount and the inner surface of the axle mounting structure,wherein the axle mount is configured to lift the load bearing framebetween a lowered position to a raised position and wherein the taperedsurface is provided on a lower end of the axle mount.
 2. A removableaxle assembly for transporting a load bearing frame, comprising: anaxle; an axle mounting structure operably coupled to the axle andconfigured to be removably attached to an axle mount, wherein the axlemounting structure comprises an inner surface that aligns with anon-vertical tapered surface of the axle mount; a clamping structure;and one or more fastening devices attached to the clamping structure,wherein in response to securing the one or more fastening devices, theclamping structure is configured to exert a compression force thatmaintains contact between the tapered surface of the axle mount and theinner surface of the axle mounting structure, wherein the axle mountcomprises a lift assembly including a cylinder rod configured to liftthe load bearing frame from a lowered position to a raised position, andwherein the tapered surface is provided at a lower end of the cylinderrod.
 3. The removable axle assembly of claim 2, wherein the axlemounting structure comprises a plate, wherein the lower end of thecylinder rod is seated in a through-hole of the plate, and wherein theinner surface of the through-hole is aligned with the tapered surface ofthe lower end of the cylinder rod.
 4. The removable axle assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the clamping structure is located beneath the axlemounting structure, and wherein the compression force exerted by theclamping structure additionally maintains contact between the axlemounting structure and the clamping structure.
 5. The removable axleassembly of claim 4, wherein the one or more fastening devices compriseone or more bolts that screw into the lower end of the cylinder rod. 6.The removable axle assembly of claim 2, wherein the clamping structurecomprises a plate located above the axle mounting structure, wherein athrough-hole of the plate is configured to provide a seat for thecylinder rod, and wherein the inner surface of the through-hole isaligned with a second tapered surface of the cylinder rod.
 7. Theremovable axle assembly of claim 6, wherein the second tapered surfaceof the cylinder rod is located above the tapered surface provided at thelower end of the cylinder rod.
 8. The removable axle assembly of claim7, wherein a raised portion is formed on the cylinder rod intermediatethe second tapered portion and the tapered surface provided at the lowerend of the cylinder rod.
 9. The removable axle assembly of claim 6,wherein the one or more fastening devices comprise one or more boltsthat couple the axle mounting structure to the plate.
 10. The removableaxle assembly of claim 1, wherein in response to loosening the one ormore fastening devices, the axle assembly is configured to be detachedfrom the axle mount.
 11. A removable axle assembly for transporting aload bearing frame, comprising: an axle: an axle mounting structureoperably coupled to the axle and configured to be removably attached toan axle mount, wherein the axle mounting structure comprises an innersurface that aligns with a non-vertical tapered surface of the axlemount; a clamping structure; and one or more fastening devices attachedto the clamping structure, wherein in response to securing the one ormore fastening devices, the clamping structure is configured to exert acompression force that maintains contact between the tapered surface ofthe axle mount and the inner surface of the axle mounting structure,wherein the axle mounting structure comprises an adjustable mountingstructure that is configured to vary a position of the inner surface toaccommodate axle mounts having different tapered surfaces.
 12. Theremovable axle assembly of claim 11, wherein the adjustable mountingstructure comprises a pivot that is configured to vary the angle of theinner surface.
 13. The removable axle assembly of claim 11, furthercomprising an adjustment device that is configured to vary a distancebetween two adjustable mounting structures having inner surfaces thatface each other.
 14. The removable axle assembly of claim 11, whereinthe clamping structure comprises a plate located above the axle mountingstructure, wherein a through-hole of the plate is configured to providea seat for the axle mount, and wherein the inner surface of thethrough-hole is aligned with a second tapered surface of the axle mount.15. A removable axle assembly comprising: an axle; an axle mountingstructure operably coupled to the axle and configured to be removablyattached to an axle mount, wherein the axle mounting structure comprisesan inner surface that is aligned with a non-vertical tapered surface ofthe axle mount; a clamp for securing the tapered surface of the axlemount to the inner surface of the axle mounting structure; and afastener for exerting a compression force to maintain contact betweenthe tapered surface of the axle mount and the inner surface of the axlemounting structure, wherein the axle mount is configured to lift theload bearing frame between a lowered position and a raised position andwherein the tapered surface is provided on a lower end of the axlemount.
 16. A removable axle assembly comprising: an axle; an axlemounting structure operably coupled to the axle and configured to beremovably attached to an axle mount, wherein the axle mounting structurecomprises an inner surface that is aligned with a non-vertical taperedsurface of the axle mount; a clamp for securing the tapered surface ofthe axle mount to the inner surface of the axle mounting structure; anda fastener for exerting a compression force to maintain contact betweenthe tapered surface of the axle mount and the inner surface of the axlemounting structure, wherein the axle mount comprises a cylinder rodassociated with a hydraulic lift cylinder, and wherein the taperedsurface comprises a tapered lower end of the cylinder rod.
 17. A methodfor removably attaching an axle assembly to an axle mount coupled at atop end to a load bearing frame, the method comprising: positioning alower end of the axle mount extending vertically down beneath the topend within an axle mounting structure, wherein the axle mountingstructure comprises an inner surface that is aligned with a non-verticaltapered surface formed on the lower end of the axle mount; securing oneor more fastening devices attached to a clamping structure; andexerting, by the clamping structure, a compression force to maintaincontact between the tapered surface of the axle mount and the innersurface of the axle mounting structure, wherein the compression forceresults from securing the one or more fastening devices.
 18. A methodfor removably attaching an axle assembly to an axle mount associatedwith a load bearing frame, the method comprising: positioning a lowerend of the axle mount within an axle mounting structure, wherein theaxle mounting structure comprises an inner surface that is aligned witha non-vertical tapered surface of the axle mount; securing one or morefastening devices attached to a clamping structure; and exerting, by theclamping structure, a compression force to maintain contact between thetapered surface of the axle mount and the inner surface of the axlemounting structure, wherein the compression force results from securingthe one or more fastening devices, wherein the axle mount comprises acylinder rod associated with a hydraulic lift cylinder, wherein theclamping structure is positioned beneath the cylinder rod, and whereinsecuring the one or more fastening devices comprises mounting aplurality of bolts to a bottom surface of the cylinder rod.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the plurality of bolts pass through theclamping structure and into the bottom surface of the cylinder rod. 20.The method of claim 17, wherein the clamping structure comprises a platelocated above the axle mounting structure, wherein a through-hole of theplate is configured to provide a seat for the axle mount, and whereinsecuring the one or more fastening devices comprises coupling the metalplate to the axle mounting structure with a plurality of bolts.